Illinois and Cook County officials are beefing up government services to help more residents obtain REAL IDs, and avoid a new $45 penalty that will be instituted next year for air travelers without the updated identification.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday that his office has extended the lease at its Loop Supercenter site that offers walk-in REAL ID services at 191 N. Clark St.

State officials are partnering with Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon’s office to streamline processes to obtain birth certificates, marriage licenses and the other additional personal documents needed to get a REAL ID.

Clerk’s offices will have designated cashiers for REAL ID-related requests, as well as a new appointment system.

“Don’t wait — get your REAL ID today and avoid the expensive and unnecessary federal upcharge,” Giannoulias said.

Earlier this week, the Transportation Security Administration announced $45 fees starting Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers without REAL IDs. They’ve been required since May but most travelers without them have only faced additional screenings and warnings.

The fees will be able to be paid online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.

Help from the clerk’s office is available at (312) 603-6278 or Clerk.RealID@cookcountyil.gov. The secretary of state’s help line is (800) 252-8980.

REAL IDs can be obtained at any DMV. Most in the Chicago area require an appointment, which can be made at ilsos.gov.

Contributing: Associated Press

CHICAGO – A Chicago suburb is Illinois’ biggest “boomtown,” according to a new analysis of economic and population growth across the country.

What we know:

The GOBankingRates study looked at U.S. Census American Community Survey data from 2015 to 2023, taking into account cities with populations between 25,000 and 500,000.

Plainfield, a southwest suburb of Chicago, topped the list for Illinois after its population grew nearly 12% over eight years, reaching 45,705 in 2023. The community also saw a 43% jump in per-capita income during that period.

Next door, Indiana’s biggest boomtown is Westfield, which logged a 51.5% population increase and a nearly 57% rise in per-capita income.

Big picture view:

Nationally, Fulshear, Texas, earned the No. 1 spot after expanding its population by 736% from 2015 to 2023.

Other top-ranked boomtowns include Fort Mill, South Carolina; Queen Creek, Arizona; Herriman, Utah; and Windsor, Colorado.

What you can do:

The GOBankingRates study examined 49 states, excluding Hawaii. To learn more, click HERE.

The stage is set for an all-Chicago Catholic League showdown as the Brother Rice Crusaders (12-1) and St. Rita Mustangs (9-4) will battle for the IHSA Class 7A state championship Wednesday afternoon at Hancock Stadium in Normal.

Both powerhouse programs enter the final riding impressive seven-game winning streaks, with the Crusaders coming off a dominant 45-17 semifinal victory over Downers Grove North, while the Mustangs earned their title shot by outgunning Batavia 54-34.

This championship matchup adds another chapter to a storied rivalry, with Brother Rice holding the early-season advantage after defeating St. Rita 28-10 in mid-September. Now, with the state title at stake, the question remains whether the Crusaders can complete the season sweep or if the surging Mustangs can flip the script when it matters most.

Opening kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 3 with a live TV broadcast on NFHS Network.

• WATCH: Brother Rice vs. St. Rita football is livestreaming on NFHS Network

How to watch Brother Rice vs. St. Rita football livestream

What: Brother Rice, St. Rita set for IHSA 7A title showdown

When: Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 3

Where: Hancock Stadium | Normal, Illinois

Watch live: Watch Brother Rice vs. St. Rita live on the NFHS Network